TAKING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH TO HEART
Your first job
TAKING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH TO HEART
Your first job
Author:
Nathalie Parent, psychologist
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably reached an important milestone 😉: considering your first job. It’s a big step and may be a little stressful, which is completely normal. Doing something new and unfamiliar creates stress so that our bodies can produce the energy we need to properly prepare. Are you ready to get started? Let’s take a closer look at a few key points.
How do I know if I’m ready for my first job?
Going down this path is a bit like embarking on a choose–your–own–adventure story: each path is unique, full of discoveries, strewn with obstacles, and overflowing with opportunities to learn. The right path for you will depend on your personality, your past, and the people around you (family, friends). In today’s world, which faces a labour shortage, many employers hire people as young as 14. This means that when it comes to getting your first job, age is less of a factor than it used to be.
Are you ready for your first job?
Take the quiz below to find out:
Choosing the perfect job
The perfect job—as if there were only one—simply doesn’t exist. In reality, there are many jobs that may suit you well and, luckily for you, these days there are plenty of options. Let’s look at a few criteria to consider when making your choice:
- Do I want a job nearby so that I can walk to work? Or can I look for a job further away because my parents have agreed to drive me, or take public transit, depending on my work schedule?
- Does the job accommodate my school schedule? Is it possible to discuss this with the employer before I start the job?
- Am I comfortable working alone or do I need to have other people around? For example, would I rather work in a store or restaurant or in a convenience store?
- Do I want to work weekends, days, evenings, nights?
- Concerning pay, do I want a job with commission (salesperson in a shop) or tips (server, delivery person, etc.)?
- Do I feel comfortable in a confined space rather than in a big building or with a large work team?
- Do I like to deal with customers or am I more comfortable in a first job that allows me to do my own thing?
- How many hours a week would it be reasonable to work, taking into consideration school, my academic program, and my abilities?
HOW SHOULD I APPLY?
Have you made your choice and identified a few places that interest you? The next step can be done in different ways: 1) call the employer to see what their needs are and what procedure you should follow to apply; 2) visit the potential place of employment in person (some people have been hired right away when applying directly!); or 3) prepare your resume and submit it by email or in person.
The first time you meet the employer, introduce yourself by shaking the person’s hand and saying, “Hello, my name is…”.
Here’s a simple trick for a handshake that makes a strong impression: while shaking hands, look the person in the eyes long enough to know what colour their eyes are.
Got the job? Congratulations!
In the fact sheet linked below, you’ll find the do’s and don’ts of healthy workplace dynamics and learn how to build a good reputation for future jobs.
How do I do my first job well?NEED TO TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU'RE GOING THROUGH?
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